Hen's, Headaches and Getting Hitched!

Heyyy, 

I. Am. Tired.

After nearly 160 miles, two nights of drinking, and approx twelve hours of sleep the whole weekend I am well and truly knackered.

It was my future Sister-in-laws's Hen do / Bacholerette party this weekend and after traveling to Nottingham for a spa weekend of partying and drinking with some close friends and family. Being the land of Robin Hood I can definitely say that we were less about robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, more like we came rich and left poor ... mainly for the sake of alcohol and spa treatments! I thoroughly enjoyed myself with some incredible company and a good lot of people to while away the weekend away from husbands, kids, and responsibilities, however, if you think that this blog post is going to be spilling all the beans and providing the inside scoop, you will be sadly disappointed. I am afraid a lady never kisses and tells (not that anything like that happened at all I must say) and what happens on Hen Do', Stays on Hen Do's!

I have started the second week of my new job as Operations Coordinator in Milton Keynes at an Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Heating company and am enjoying it so far, slowly slowly but getting there with the lingo and terminology. But with 8-weeks to go until our wedding things are getting to the point now where bills are going to need paying in the next few weeks by the end of the month and plenty of things that still need doing including tonnes of DIYs and wedding stationery that needs doing. I just hope things stay as they are and we finally make it this time to our special day.

Monday 19 July 2021 in the UK marked the ending of lockdowns and an end for all COVID restrictions including nightclubs reopening, no face masks, and big festivals and events beginning to start. Bozza Jozza's plans for the final unlocking of restrictions in England were pushed back from the 21st of June and maybe rightly so. But can Prime Minister Boris Johnson really go back on his word yet again, U-turning? Now BoJo's lifted all legal restrictions in England but he has urged the public to remain cautious, saying the pandemic is not over.

The BBC outlined today (Monday 16 August 2021) that there have been nearly 6.3 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK with nearly 131,000 people have died from the deadly disease that has ruined and spoilt life for over a year now. Government figures show however that almost 90% of adults in the UK have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and nearly 77% have had their second.

Public Health England estimates that, up to 6 August, the UK vaccination program had prevented nearly 85,000 deaths and more than 23 million infections. Impressive and certainly the hope and faith we need and less of the doom and gloomy crap the news is mainly made up of. The BBC news article continues that more than 47 million people of all UK adults have had at least one vaccine with everyone over the age of 18 across the UK can now book a vaccine, so hopefully, the uptake continues and we can hear less and less about the stupid idea that you have a microchip implanted in your arm or that it makes you a magnet?! And with the most recent government figures show at least 5,894 people with coronavirus in hospitals in the UK. A week earlier that figure was 5,816. Although numbers climbed in recent weeks, they are far below the peak of nearly 40,000 people back in January. I am desperate to hang onto any piece of positivity as we break the 2-months-to-go mark! 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Wedding planning is stress free; Said no Bride ever!

Evening All, 

And so after nearly a fortnight of being a lady of leisure; shopping most days, lunching some others and most of my other free and spare time dedicated to wedding stuffs, today I started my new job as Operations Coordinator in Milton Keynes at an Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Heating company. A breezy 20-mins from home I was very glad to not have the ninety-minute commute I used to have to Hertford, plus the staying away.

With just over 9-weeks to go until our wedding things are super stressed at the moment, so much so after the fourth phone call one day I had to screen my Dad's call. I know that he goes at 100-Mph but honestly, the whole GO GO GO thing at the moment is getting a bit much! Last weekend my Dad, his wife, Mr. Warehouse, and I all went to view the village hall again where we will be having our reception after the ceremony. This wouldn't have been such a trial if it weren't for the fact that every single time we come to view it we change the damned layout and floorplan meaning there is something else to do or buy or think about. And on this occasion, there were no exceptions.

Lunch afterward was intense, as it always is as there are two very strong personalities in me and my father round the table with his wife trying to battle through and butt-in once in a while and poor old Mr. Warehouse being completely left out of any thoughts or feelings he may have. I always knew wedding planning was going to be tough and stressful, but this is on another level. 

Luckily, the last few days off has lent itself to some serious life and wedding admin which has been much needed - Confirming all the details with vendors, organizing meetings with suppliers to go through things, order of service, and other wed-min items. I have even been proactive in chasing all the RSVP's in advance of the end of August deadline date which has helped us in being able to possibly make a head start on the table plan and more. I must say it does make life easier knowing most of the guestlist is now coming and as such I know how many kiddo's I need to make PAQ's for (PAQ standing for Peace and Quiet) which will include coloring books, crayons, toys, sweeties and other fun stuff.

So along with a trip to the local pound shop for those kid-friendly bits which I picked up some of last week and will collect the remainder tomorrow, I have also completed a few other things off the list as long that last week was as long as my arm. Crafts and DIY's that need to be finalized and completed are not all fully there yet however some of the simpler tasks such as blankets to wrap and flip-flops to tie have all now been finished. However, that being said the bogroll list cant be put away just yet as I still need to find time to make signs, create table centerpieces, design a table plan and manufacture pretty, bathroom baskets not to mention having to relabel everything that has our old wedding dates on including the confetti boxes. But now I have a full-time job to occupy me and weekend time is limited. With Hen-Do's, Stag-Do's, BBQ's and Parties booked in the next few weeks I have no idea when this will get done but somehow it has to. Eeeeek!!!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Locked in and Left Left High and Dry: Part II

Heyy, 

After a poor night's sleep for fear of being trapped and locked into my accommodation if there was a fire or emergency due to the door being locked following the handle breaking the previous evening, I awoke startled. The morning after the night before was different from what I had been expecting. I had expected my first night at the garden studio at The Mills Guesthouse, with its big glass bi-folding doors and waterfall shower to be a bit more natural and easy-going, maybe even with coffee in bed thrown in for good measure. But no, my day started as it meant to go on, intense, stressful, and unexpectedly abrupt.

I arrived to work ready to tell my tales of woe from the previous evening, all sprinkled with some light-hearted humor of course. Come 10.30am I was ready for the day's meetings to begin and by 1pm I was back at the garden studio at The Mills Guesthouse, packing up to come home.

Why you may ask? Well, I had come to the decision that this whole thing simply wasn't working out as I had hoped. Now as avid readers of my blog will understand and be familiar with, I do not normally talk about work-related matters or employment. Not that this is about to change, as I am still sticking by this stance, mainly for privacy and professionalism, however, what I shall say is that I am absolutely gutted it didn't work out in the way I had hoped.

That being said, I have a new job to venture into, one a lot closer to home and where I don't have to confirm my room number every day. I will be soon joining an Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Heating company as an Operations Coordinator in Milton Keynes. The company is somewhere I had looked at prior to my Hertfordshire working holiday, so I was familiar with the company and the setup. I now have a few days to prep myself for my new role and a new job, a breezy 20-mins from home.

And I could certainly use all the free and spare time I have at the moment as with less than 10 weeks to go until our wedding things are super GO GO GO at the moment! With last weekend and this weekend chocked full of wedding stuff including viewing the village hall again, confirming all the details with vendors, organizing catch-ups with suppliers to go through things, order of service and other wed-min items, RSVP's, and more, honestly I am stressed and shattered. I must say it does make life a little easier knowing most of the RSVP's are back now and I know how many kiddo's I need to make PAQ's for (PAQ standing for Peace and Quiet) which will include colouring books, crayons, toys, sweeties and other fun stuffs.

So along with a trip to the local pound shop for those kid-friendly bits, I have a list as long as my arm of crafts and DIY's that need to be finalized and completed. I have blankets to wrap, signs to make, table centerpieces to design, table plans to create, flip-flops to tie and make pretty, bathroom baskets to make, confetti boxes to reprint labels for and that is before I even think about all the other bits I have forgotten to include. I mean I knew weddings would be stressful but this is bordering on breakdown!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Locked in and Left Left High and Dry: Part I

Hello Hello, 

Yes, I know. I missed last week. But honestly the week I have had ... you wouldn't be surprised.

Packing up my bag I was surprised I could fit a fortnight of clothes in my mini-case. "At least I know I could do a two-week holibobs," I thought, sadly wondering when the next time really would be given the travel restrictions still in place and the confusing rule and regulations surrounding them all. Loading it into the car I bid farewell to the pups and promised to see them at the weekend. The only difference being is that rather than me bombing it home on a Friday night with hopes of an Indian and lots of pup-snuggles, Mr. Warehouse would be bringing them down, along with himself to see me in my new accommodation.

It was going to be wonderful. And with "Freedom day" finally here my week was looking busy with plans already, meeting with Miss Tweedle-Dee and my Uncle Golf for some dinner in the week and all in the knowledge that masks were not a necessity and life was a little more back to normality. 

Ahh, yes. Freedom. Monday, 19 July 2021 in the UK has finally marked the ending of lockdowns (fingers-crossed) and with an end for all COVID restrictions, Bozza Jozza's looking pretty pleased with himself. Now don't get it twisted, I am as happy as the next person, but I do worry that this isn't it and that somehow it may all come tumbling down again. I feel as though there is still enough time for the figures to creep up and for numbers to increase so much so another lockdown could be on the cards and disappointingly I can see in coming into place right before our special day.I hope not. 

You would have been forgiven for thinking I had dumped my fiance and moved to Hertford the amount I had been staying away for work, pretty much five days a week since I started nearly 10-weeks ago was a lot for one person, especially when they had a whole life back home and a feast of family and friends that were being neglected. And all in the name of a career. But no, since I was asked to stay away for the full summer holidays in order to cover people's annual leave and childcare arrangements. I had agreed to get the company to rent a serviced apartment AirBnB type place - Somewhere I could leave a bottle of shampoo or my straighteners over the weekend, you know. 

And so I poodled on down the M1 to Hertford for another day's work, tottering off to my new abode to settle in for the evening and unpack. The Mills Guesthouse was a small self-contained studio apartment set within a seemingly large family home down a winding country road in Hatfield. Looking out onto a feature garden with a small patio terrace I was delighted to find that every room came with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom along with a wardrobe and some very basic cooking facilities including a microwave, tiny fridge, and a kettle. Although I was happy with this and finally glad I could have even just a ready meal over takeout every night.

Unfortunately, since the landlord was going on holiday soon, I was unable to indulge in the continental or a Full English/Irish breakfast, but she seemed friendly enough and welcomed me to use the other areas of the house including the kitchen, washing machine, and conservatory when she was away. Explaining it was normally students staying she explained I would be one of the only people at the property whilst she and her family were away which was not for a few more weeks yet. I was happy and the best part was it was doggo and visitor friendly.

After calling Mr. Warehouse and showing off my new pad it was getting dark and with it being blog night I wanted to make a head start soon and get an early night, considering we both hadn't slept much the night before due to the heat. Closing the posh bi-folding doors I was confused as to why it wouldn't lock properly or shut all the way, and, after YouTubing had not helped and WikiHow had no answers for me I called the landlord. She was equally confused, probably wondering why this bimbo can't close the damned door. Following her instructions over the phone I felt a snap. I looked down and saw that the silvery metal in my hand should not have come off and should indeed still be attached to the door in which it was being used as a handle.

Explaining what had just happened the lady sounded pissed as she said she would be over in five. Panicking I didn't know what to do but wait. After she checked it out, the Landlord confirmed what I already knew. the door couldn't be locked from the inside and I would have no option but to sleep with an unlocked door. Not knowing what to do she left with promises of a locksmith to come over and fix in the next few days. As soon as she left I called my fiance. I was in floods of tears by this point, mostly from tiredness but also from panic and being scared about the night ahead.

After all the suggestions were put forward there was only one option I had left. I couldn't call anyone from work, it was half-nine at night for goodness sake, and besides what could they do. I couldn't really sleep in my car, but equally, I couldn't sleep with the door wide open. Other than going and spending a night at a local budget hotel and claiming it back on expenses there was only one other option. Another studio garden room was available on the other side of the garden so I reasoned with myself and called the women back.

Apologizing for crying and having a fucking freak-out moment, I said to her that I simply didn't feel comfortable. She tried to reassure me saying it was a good area and she was staying in the house upstairs and that really I would WANT to have the door open because of the balmy night. Once again I said that I was sorry but I didn't know the area and the room looked out onto what appeared to be a busy and popular walking spot for people and that in all fairness I didn't know her from Adam, let alone anyone else in the house or that could be staying. I wasn't too bothered about my laptop or engagement ring, I had watched far too many horror films to know that this wouldn't end well.

Realizing that the other garden studio was not an option as it wasn't set up for guests (which was a crock of shit because I snooped earlier and it was perfectly set up no problems) and with it getting close to 10pm I reluctantly agreed with the only thing left to do - Lock me in. Now I understood in my head there were other risks which would ensue, like what would I do if there was a fire or emergency and I needed to get out but by this point, I was running out of options and all bar having Mr. Warehouse trapse down here with the dogs and stay awake all night on edge waiting for Freddy or Jason to come busting down my door.

Reluctantly I agreed to be locked in like a prisoner, unbeknownst to me that it would be my one and only night staying. Ahh yes, because life has a funny way of showing you who is in control, ripping the rug right from underneath you when you least expect it ...

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

A Tale of Sorcery & Spooks

Hello One and All, 

So after smacking my head heavy off the corner of the ice-rink entrance last week, I was dazed a little to say the least. Whilst Mr Warehouse was pissing himself, literally nearly dying from lack of oxygen due to laughing so hard, I was starting to feel the effects of such a crash landing. I had stopped for a little, more so to give my leggies a rest more than anything, although sitting down Mr Warehouse stopped laughing and made a comment about how I didn't look well. The truth was that I didn't feel well. I felt sick. Like as if I was going to vomit. My skin felt weird, like that kind of flu-ey skin you get when you are ill. I couldn't concentrate, my eyes desperately trying to focus on anything. Something wasn't right. Reaching up to my head I felt searing hot pain spread across my skull accompanying a huge lump. At the size of an orange, I began getting irritable, shaking for no reason. 

I decided that after some painkillers, although truth be told I really could have done with going to Accident and Emergency but I didn't want to worry anyone or spoil my Nephew's birthday. Snoozing most of Sunday, I knew that things were not good when on day three you still have symptoms. Returning to work on Monday was like a whole other challenge as for the first time all weekend I had to really focus my attention on something important, like my job. Answering the phone, listening and concentrating on the screens all became harder and nausea didn't help. NHS guidelines state that it's totally normal to have symptoms such as a slight headache, feeling nauseous or dazed and these can last anywhere up to 2 weeks. Where I was normally on the ball I simply couldn't take it in, sometimes taking several attempts to read the simplest of sentences, not good for a busy and fast-paced environment. As the week progressed I felt better but realistically I should have gone to the hospital. The problem is I do not get paid for being off sick, apart from statutory sick pay from the Government (£70 a week - But when I earn more than £70 a day there isn't much point unless I am dying). 

I am glad for the feeling of "normal" to return because Friday was Bestie time! Miss Tweedle-Dee and I headed for a day out, checking into a hotel for a cheeky sleepover and hanging out in the City until nightfall! My dinner date was at The Alchemist on Bevis Mark. Describing itself as a new home for The Alchemist’s unique brand of cocktail bars & restaurants in Aldgate, Bevis Marks naturally attracted curiosity and with a unique location, it was a natural choice - Standing out as a glint of pure gold amidst the charcoal & black suits of the London’s business district. Suffice to say that The Alchemist does its business in a decidedly different way. Walking in the impressive golden bar gave way to a quieter restaurant area and a beautiful outdoor terrace, a perfect place for glorious sun and warm summer nights. However, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I had to settle with the fading winter sun to sample a selection of exquisite cocktails and stunning food, all accompanied by a theatrical experience. 

Starting our evening early I entered a world of theatre as my "Sailors Punch" Cocktail told its own story. Inspired by the spirits & flavours within, the molecular madness in an augmented reality started when Sailor Jerry Rum, Banana liquor, Pineapple & Coconut Bristol Syrup, and a dash of Citrus all turned up on a weird lined coaster. But using the App I downloaded it turned my drink into a far-flung Desert Islands where Pirates poached and Mermaids Merried. Miss Tweedle-Dee made a great decision - The Banoffee Manhattan! Espresso sloshed with a good helping of Monkey Shoulder Whisky, a few squirts of Monin Banana, tickled with Briottet Banana and brought alive by the dreamy Banoffee Foam! 

To. Die. For. 

Not feeling hungry I opted for a sharing starter platter consisting of BBQ Wings, Nachos, Pork Bon Bons, Mac ‘N’ Cheese Bites, Halloumi Sticks and Veg Sticks & Houmous. Finishing up before making a dash to our evening entertainment I chose my final cocktail of the night - The Colour Changing One! Grey Goose Vodka twisted with Briottet Apple, splashed with Soda, sparkled with Citrus and a little sprinkle of Magic. had this dry-ice drink changing colours from deep navies into vibrant pinks and mysterious purples. Watching the time we fast-walked to Aldgate Station to meet a man. Sounds creepy by we were actually about to encounter something much, much spookier as we dove into 1888. 

A Christmas present to my future Maid Of Honour, the Jack the Ripper walk offered a truly atmospheric route.  Miss Tweedle-Dee and I were guided (along with others, that would just be weird) into the old, narrow alleyways where we most certainly felt like we had been transported back to the mean streets of the Victorian East End. Along the tour, our guide, an ex-MI5 police investigator and anti-terror detective accompanied us to the murder sites and locations related to the Jack the Ripper murders. Learning more than just about the murders, I must say after doing so many different versions of the Jack The Ripper tours over my years of fascination, the guide - Who had served not only in the police force but undertaken military exercises including Afghanistan, Belfast and the Falklands - an almost exact background to my father, was incredible. Hosting several investigations into who the Ripper was and having detailed documentaries under his belt diving into the possibilities and struggles the forces had in catching him I was enthralled. By the end of the walk, not only was I exhausted and in need of my bed, but I also wanted to take this guy out for a pint and listen to all his fascinating stories and tales.

By the following morning, I was refreshed after a wonderful sleep in the hotel and after a light breakfast, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I departed, but not before commenting on how we should do something like that again. I mentioned a weekend in Edinburgh - Castles, Instgram-worthy photoshoots and Haunted tours galore. But the long journey and costly expense of it all wasn't something that was within reach at the moment, especially since Miss Tweedle-Dee is only a few months off being a fully-fledged adult like moi and having a mortgage. Maybe we will have to park that on the shelf that requires bigger bank balances along with sleepover's in deranged Liverpool mental asylums and hunting down a UK Horror Convention. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Evening, 

Mini-Moon Spa hotel for post-wedding snuggles and QT with the new Hubby? Check! A pre-wedding holiday to Newquay? Check! Stressful visit to the Reception venue with the Father of the Bride and his wife to go over details, floor plans and meet the new venue coordinator? Check! Must mean one thing - Eights months to go!

However, with the weeks melting by, a visit with the Reverand was certainly due. After enquiring in January about our marriage matters meeting due to take place in February 2020 hosted by our Church and for all the couples getting married that year I was surprised to learn that Mr Warehouse and I were one of only two couples getting married in St Mary's this year. I was shocked. I thought that maybe there would be quite a few, maybe even in or around our day. Maybe even the same day (not that I like sharing, I just wanted to piggy-back their flowers).

Reading up online in order to try and prepare myself for a visit to the Lord's Crib, I learnt that when you marry in a church, you have not only the legally binding religious contract of marriage but the vicar’s personal and individual attention, which is only made better by knowing more about you and you're betrothed. 

Prior to this meeting last week we had already met the head of the Church and his protegee (who will be marrying us) but nevertheless she was now well and truly into her new role and whilst had already met with us, was interested in our story and how we came to be. It was nice that she knew some of Mr Warehouse's relatives and this made it much easier to relax and get to know each other. In time the relationship with our vicar will, like most, often go beyond the wedding day and it is possible she could be part of other big occasions in our life, like christening our children. Reading through the website, yourchurchwedding.org, as with ourselves, be prepared for a good few hours worth of form filling and question answering. "There will be some forms to complete which are necessary for the vicar’s records and they will need to ask a few questions that confirm you’re free to marry and that you have a legally-recognised connection with the church." 

Now remember that whilst some of these questions or items seem silly or trivial (like 'Are you related?'), the details are really important to ensure our, and your marriage will be legally sound. Accidentally we forgot to bring our passports and birth certificates, something we will have to produce at our next meeting just after Easter and most certainly before our Bans being read in August. Mr Warehouse and I are both British, born and bred, however, the website states that "If either of you are a national from a country that is outside the EEA, the vicar will advise you on applying for a Superintendent Registrar’s Certificate, now required for all Church of England marriages of non-EEA nationals." Unlike some of the things I had read and heard online and through others in conversation, if either party are divorced the vicar will need to see your decree absolute (confirmation of your divorce) however just because you have divorce in your background doesn't mean that a religious ceremony in a Church is off-limits, it just means that there is a little more legwork involved and the vicar will almost certainly want to talk about in some detail.

Some of the things we spoke about during the initial visit last week were the prices and costs involved of the Church ceremony including Flowers, Organist, Choir and Bells being rung. Additional options included something special which I shan't divulge however I think will be an interesting and different addition to our ceremony. 

One of the main things talked about, however, and something we have not really thought about too much was Hymns and readings. As we are marrying in a Church the only condition is not the Hymns or sing-song bits, but that we must have at least one religious reading. I thought personally it would have been the other way around and that readings could come and give or take a poem or two, but the Hymns had to be religious and all "God this" and "Jesus that" but that is not the case. 

Yourchurchwedding.org, confirms that for most couples and weddings, there are usually two or three hymns sung. "The first is sung near to the beginning and helps everyone to feel that they are together in this place for a special purpose. The last hymn comes right before the final blessing, and reflects a mood of celebration and joy." Sometimes another hymn is included whilst the register is being signed, or just after, however, this is something Mr Warehouse and I didn't want and would rather have a song played, choir singing something or that special surprise I am so excited to leak about.

My future Husband and I wanted to find hymns that are familiar to our guests and are easy to sing, encouraging everyone to join in and not just mumble or humm along. Hymns and the Church Kareoke bit I had made my mind up long ago that I refused to have any songs that people had to sing that were unfamiliar or unknown or had those weird split words and syllables. I'm talking 'Hallelujah' and 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'. The website helpfully explains that "The vicar or the organist at the church where you are to be married, (or Directors of Music in some of the larger churches), will be pleased to help you decide." This being said, the capabilities of the organist, the type of organ they have in your church and also the choir and their abilities all need to be taken into account so seeking the opinion of the vicar, even if you have already decided which hymns you’d most like to have, can be immeasurably helpful.

But, following a difficult week and a whole bottle of red wine I was sat on Friday night, balling my eyes out as I listened to a non-religious, Disney song. Powerful, strong and tender it was everything I was looking for and as I listened to some of the lyrics I could envision our congregation, all there just for us, singing it to us, loud and proud. I was a mess. And so we found our Hymns, now we just need to find a reading appropriate and religious enough without being too much so.  

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Mini-Moon for the new Bride & Groom!

Heyy, 

With the last few months of Christmas, New Years and the last few bits of Wedding planning one of the last few big things we needed to book and research was our first few nights as a married couple. Some newlyweds now have nicknamed this the Mini-Moon, a short break or weekend away following getting hitched. 

Now whilst I spoke of last week's blog the beautiful Cornish setting and surroundings of the Retallack Resort & Spa with its bars, free WiFi and beautiful beaches nearby it would have been perfect if not for the four-odd hour journey. And so with this in mind, we took a look closer to home and in particular the Wyboston Lakes Spa and Golf Resort Complex. We are staying at one of three hotels on the 350-acre resort called The Waterfront Hotel Spa & Golf. Located just off the A1 and just a twenty-minute journey by car from our venue at Stagsden, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, good food, an 18-hole golf course and driving range as well as plentiful leisure facilities, an incredible spa and ample free parking. 

I am sure that with its delightful lakeside setting and modern but spacious bedrooms we are sure to relax in style. All rooms feature as standard en suite bathrooms and a flat-screen TV's with good food prepared by expert chefs available at a tap of a finger using the in-room iPad and full use of a gym and small indoor swimming pool. The room itself we have chosen to upgrade because you know why not - It's our wedding night / Mini-Moon. Junior Suites at The Waterfront are not just luxurious hotel rooms with super king-size beds but host lavish Hungarian down-topped mattresses and choice of accompanying pillows. These rooms are larger than both Superior and Deluxe Rooms the hotel offers but appointed in the same pastel colours and styling with the addition of some extra storage. Sitting rooms/areas and work stations are included as well as a comfortable armchair, footstool, coffee table and sofa which can fold out into an extra double bed. Now that really is the kind of place I want to wake up on my first morning as a Mrs.

The Y Spa is really why I wanted to book though as after being there a couple of times to visit I have never had the opportunity of indulging in the outdoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam rooms, mist showers, ice rooms, relaxing areas and water beds. The website states that "Y Spa has created a fabulous space which will stimulate all of the senses. Expansive areas filled with natural light and a warm ambient atmosphere. The area incorporates large picture windows to the terrace, bringing the outside in, whatever the weather. This little bit of luxury allows you to use hot and cold experiences as therapy, the benefits of which are far-reaching and include: improved respiration and circulation, relief of rheumatic aches, pains and stiff joints as well as improvements to skin texture with benefits to those suffering from eczema or skin conditions. Combining heat followed by cold boosts the body's natural defences, shifting your entire metabolism up a gear."

The Steam Room. A 42-degrees and with 100% humidity, the combination of high humidity and radiant heat gently invigorates the skin, respiratory and circulation system, all within a magical cavern, shrouded in iridescent mosaics and colour changing mood lighting to purify and relax both body and mind. Or maybe a Sauna would be more your cup of tea? With the slightly more warming, 55-degrees and humid the "soft" sauna has a lower temperature than Y Spa's traditional outdoor sauna. The humidity provides a gentler heat and softer experience to the traditional sauna allowing to relax and to recharge your batteries as well as a skin detox. Improving circulation and allowing muscles to relax, providing a peaceful space away from everyday life. 

Not hot enough? Cranking it up a gear to the 85-degrees (or hotter) and low humidity the beautiful Kelo wood sauna, made with one-hundred-year-old logs gives the hottest of the  Y Spa experiences. Not for the faint-hearted, its location outdoors in the Spa Garden can be accessed via the Hydrotherapy pool or the Garden terrace and is the perfect route to pure relaxation post-exercise or for weight loss and detoxification.

Hydrotherapy has been around for thousands of years and in its simplest form can be described as therapy through water - Obviously. However, being much warmer than a swimming pool, Y Spa's Hydrotherapy Pool is a place to relax and let the bubbling waters still your body. Used to treat common ailments such as muscle cramps, circulatory diseases, arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain, balance, and stress-related disorders; hydrotherapy is a great way to spend some time, relaxing on the bubble bed or massage tension away using the body jets and revel in the wonders of nature enjoying the outdoor Hydrotherapy Pool all year round in the snow or the rain too.

On top of all of those, Y Spa's experience showers are used as a breather between treatment rooms. "The Chill Zone" allows guests to cool off either with a gentle blowing mist or invigorating tropical showers, raining from above like a monsoon. If you're brave enough maybe a visit to the ice wall in order to constrict blood vessels, increase oxygen flow and stimulating circulation. The Hotel's Spa also boasts the "Time Out Area" is perfect for unwinding, lounging and sitting back to read a good book, or two, all in the comfort of waterbeds, warmed perfectly to your body temperature. The Relaxation rooms with ergonomic loungers and cosy fireplaces it's the perfect place to curl up or unwind for a schnooze. 

With eight months to the day as I write to you now, I cannot wait to stay at this beautiful resort and with the added benefit that my Husband will be right there alongside me!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Gutted Just Ain't The Word!

Hiya!

So after topping weekend on the excitement scale I was more than happy to have a relaxing and chilled out weekend at home with nothing more to worry about than when was an appropriate time to get out of my pyjamas and get dressed for the day. 

On Saturday it would have appeared to be about ten-minutes before I was due to pick Mr. Warehouse up from work. For one reason or another Mr Warehouse had decided that he would want to work some overtime the last few weekends in a row in order to save up some more spending money for our holiday to Tenerife at the end of August. I have never normally being anxious about going on holiday simply because I have always booked a budget-budget trip with cheap, low-cost flights and a very basic hotel with three-stars being considered 'pushing the boat out'. Well at least when Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I go on holiday anyway. But we are happy with our stupidly inexpensive budget for a holiday and even pride ourselves on the fact that we are able to bag a holiday in most circumstances for under three-hundred quid. I remember one year I think we even hit under the two-hundred mark, although that was Kavos and it was outside of normal holiday season in mid-October. 

With all my work colleagues making plans for luxurious four and five star holidays in gorgeous beach-side resorts in exotic and far off land's, I feel like I should have just booked the time off and bagged myself a cheap last-minute luxury deal. Instead I hold my hands up that Mr. Warehouse and I booked far too much in advance that savings were far and few between. Our flights alone to Tenerife South Airport worth over two-hundred pounds. Our hotel makes up a large majority of our holiday total budget, and although we are spending roughly six-hundred in total together on the getaway alone, not including any spending money, I do wonder that if we had left it last minute and booked something a week or two before we were due to leave if we maybe would have got a better deal, potentially even getting some more bang for our Buck. 

Earlier last week there was a sale on at a well-known website called Ryanair. £9.99 for a flight. Did I booked one though. No I didn't. I chickened out at the last minute thinking that they won't go up that much in price after the sale. But oh how horrifyingly wrong I was. The prices for flights not only doubled or tripled in some cases, especially for the dates that we were looking for which was late November and early December, just in time for some Christmas market shopping and hot Gluhwein with a side of Gingerbread. I have been so depressed and upset with myself for not booking somewhere. I new that I should have taken the plunge with a visit to somewhere like Sofia in Bulgaria or somewhere in Poland. Cheap flights at the time and with hotels of four and five star quality for a three-star and less price, I really struggled to see what benefits there are in staying in the UK for a Pre-Christmas break. Granted we wouldn't need to ask anyone to look after our dear pooch, and instead could take her with us wherever we may choose to go. However back to the more crucial point of money - For the same cost as it would be to get a cottage or Airbnb property in the UK that would accommodate dogs and isn't too much of a long drive for me, Mr. Warehouse and I could fly out to Europe somewhere and have a gorgeous little break away without breaking the bank including plush hotel rooms with on-site spas and views to rival that of most cities in England. 

Gutted as I may be I am sure that there will be another flight sale from Ryanair or maybe even another airline somewhere in the future between now and when we are looking to go. The hotel is the cheapest and easiest thing to book for us since we already have a vast amount of Clubcard points from Tesco's that we would like to use on a hotel room stay. The more I think about it the more I am surprised that Mr. Warehouse even allowed me to think about booking another holiday before going to Tenerife. I suppose the law of hot chocolate and posh hotel room service may have swayed his mind slightly. Regardless though of where we end up spending our few last annual leave dates before the end of the year, I am sure that we will both make the most of it and enjoy the quality time that we have together, whether it be in a spa in the middle of Budapest, or in a little glamping Lodge down in the Cotswolds. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Newquay - New Life?

Hello-Hello, 

Seven-and-a-bit hours on the road, most of it in traffic and I was glad to seeing signs for Newquay. But as we bid farewell to our driver AKA Mr. Warehouse's cousin and uncle, the boyfriend and I prepared ourselves for the hell that could be awaiting us in the hotel we booked - Berties Lodge, Newquay! The reviews had not been kind, some of them utterly hilarious, but all with distasteful comments. One person had written that "After a long and sleepless night, we were happy to find a sea view (if we craned our necks), and that we wasn't murdered in our sleep." although this review was entitled: Have stayed in nicer crack-dens. I have enclosed the link - Trust me you'll be wetting yourself by the end as was I and understandably you can understand how I was shitting myself so much for checking-in. 

Reading on the website that we had to check in at the neighbouring hotel, we thought it was odd but continued. Walking into the typical 17th Century building, Mr. Warehouse and I marvelled at the beauty the Hotel Victoria had to offer and begrudged all the people that were residing there all in the knowledge we would soon be in our 'not-so-nice crack-den'. Talking with the Receptionist, a young girl I have since made friends with, she explained that for one reason or another (to which I am still not sure why) mine and Mr. Warehouse's room had been transferred over to the gorgeous Hotel Victoria. Looking at each other we were stunned and had to check that everything was correct with the young reception girl several times to help us believe the luck we had again. Booking hotels had always seemed to end well for myself and Mr. Warehouse including the under-thirty-quid hotel room we booked in west London our first weekend away together near Christmas a couple of years back. Or even last year at the wedding we went to in Wisbech. I booked a hotel on the outskirts of the town only for the fact it was cheap and had a pool and spa area however when we arrived, we ended up in a beautiful Apartment-Suite with a balcony and all because our room had suffered a flood the evening before. Upgrades seem to come naturally to us when we book and clearly our trip to Newquay was also something of a little win!

Checking into the room and dropping our stuff off we headed straight out to join the Bride and her family down here in a local Taverna for some drinks. Cider flowing and Chocolate cake on order, talk soon turned to whose wedding was next and what a surprise it was Mr. Warehouse and I that were in the firing line. 
"Maybe we should just tackle one wedding at a time, shall we?!" I said, looking at Mr. Warehouse for advice. Unfortunately all I got was a smirk but soon enough the Bride came over and introduced herself as Mr. Warehouse's Cousin, soon to be married tomorrow. The subject soon turned to Newquay and what a wonderful place both her and her Husband-to-be live. Although what happened next was a slight shock to say the least. 
"You should move down here" the Bride said, seeming enthusiastic. Mr. Warehouse looked my way with a considering look in his eyes and I answered his assuming gaze with something about getting a job and finding work down here. 
"Hey man, I work in warehouse, I could easily find you a job tomorrow!" the Bride answered chirpily. 
"But what about a house? The rent must be extortionate around here, and buying a home in the future - Forget it!" I replied. 
"Well, our rent is £450 per month for a one-bedroom maisonette, less than five minutes from the beach. House prices are not as crazy as you may think, with a standard three-bed-semi setting you back around £185,000" the Bride came back with. 

Mr. Warehouse looked at me. I looked at him. The weather was nicer (at least at that point anyway). The beach looked lovely. Roxy would love the long walks on the shoreline and for sand to be in between her paws in the final years of her life. House prices I knew already were not too bad since looking in the Estate Agents window on the way to the Taverna so home wise it would be not so bad. School places wouldn't be as sizable as they are up north and the cost of living was about the same anywhere you go now in England. The only deal clincher really would be my salary as I would refuse to move for the same or less money I am on now. And 100% I would need to drive. We had barely been in Cornwall a couple of hours and already they were trying to make us stay but I knew that as I looked at Mr. Warehouse's lit-up face we would be having a long discussion about it at some point over the weekend. 

After a long beach walk with Mr. Warehouse and his other cousin that we drove down with, Saturday morning came and with the alarms we got dressed and headed out for breakfast, finally settling on a good old 'spoons brekkie. A long day ensued with all the trimmings you would expect from a wedding; A nervous groom, a beautiful bride, tear-rendering speeches and some oddly-attired guests. All in all though it was such a wonderful day and the weather, thank goodness held out for the happy couple. Myself and Mr. Warehouse took care of his little nephew until that it it was time to head to the reception venue to watch the newly-wed's dance the night away. 

Soon enough though Sunday morning arrived and with it came the rain. Oh Jesus fucking Christ the rain. It rained and rained and rained and rained. All. Day. Long. So we did what all British people do in the rain. Walk around aimlessly and grumble that there is nothing to do. After paying over a tenner each to get into what was advertised as an aquarium but was more like a large garden centre, we spent the next half-hour peering into tanks whilst avoiding snotty children and prams galore. I mean why on heaven or earth would you bring a small baby to an aquarium. What need does a seventeen-month-old have to see a pufferfish or black-tipped-shark? Nevertheless we headed reluctantly back to the hotel and spent the afternoon watching films and planning what to do tomorrow if the weather was equally shite. 

Before ordering a Chinese supper I spent some long moments exploring the winding halls and long Shining-esk corridors on Sunday. An old styled grey building, the Hotel Victoria looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and has many, many reception rooms to explore including a well-maintained lawn with pergola overlooking the sea, perfect for weddings. A plush and cosy orangery/conservatory also looks out across the lawn and beautiful views of the horizon something I cant help think must look incredible with the sunrise or sunset. A grand ballroom follows through from the glass walls of the orangery/conservatory and includes a dance floor with an alien-like glitter ball and DJ booth included. Down some stair and across the room is a bar area which would have probably been the Drawing Room originally and includes yet more wooden fixtures and fittings as well as a large bar and comfy looking couches and sofa's. Through the brass and dark-wooden Reception including original revolving entrance door and spiralling staircase and across the elegant hallway corridor is a regal looking restaurant encompasses glittering chandeliers, sky-high ceilings and beautiful wooden furnishings. Down to the pool and spa areas I have not yet ventured but if I can find a swimming costume I shall inform you all of my findings. 

I listened as the young receptionist girl and hotel porter (whom himself looked haunting) told me of the tall tales the hotel had to tell. The hotel had been used in both the World Wars as a Hospital for injured soldiers and some could even be seen still wandering the halls looking for release from Purgatory. The creepy porter explained in detail how the Hotel's kitchen was used as a operating theatre during this period. The young girl had explained later on that on some lonely nights on the reception desk she had heard footsteps and opening and closing of doors which had been backed-up by several residents over the years. She had said she has seen shadows on the second floors and that "its" presence felt like a women in a full gown since she could hear the swish of the dress and soft footsteps of a lady. 
"Have you been up to the third floor? Do you know why there is now a wall and windows where their should be staircase spindles?" The Porter asked. I shook my head but clearly enthusiastic to hear what was up there, I waited for the answer. Both the Porter and the Receptionist then explained how the owners wife had met her death. She had been up to the third floor and was looking out the windows across what was the grasslands, now the main street of Newquay. She took a trip on some carpet probably and fell the three storeys to the Reception below, killing her. Intrigued I returned to the room and have felt an eerie but benevolent feeling of relaxation since hearing those tales, something in all fairness I had felt since entering the hotel on Friday evening yet somehow seem more so now after hearing these stories in the walls.

As yesterday today, has been much the same weather. Mr. Warehouse and I had planned to visit the infamously haunted jail in the neighbouring town, Bodmin, however with only a few coaches a day going there, we had not booked in advance so our return journey was not guaranteed. With the weather still crappy, I stormed off in a hump, that was until Mr. Warehouse and I headed into the arcades to get out of the rain. Me and the other half had been collecting all the loose change and the odds and sods of coins from each others wallets over the last few months, putting everything 20p and under into a plastic jar to use on our next trip to the arcades. Not counting how much was there we emptied it out onto a glass-topped games machine and proceeded to count it out into pennies, two-pennies, five-pennies, ten-pennies and twenty-penny coins. Playing alongside together for more than an hour we decided to cash in the tickets we had accumulated and see what sort of naff prize we could get. Since he was so excitable, I let him cash in the tickets for something he wanted - A Spiderman cereal bowl. I suppose the fact that soon, once the weather had picked up, Mr. Warehouse had promised me he would accompany me on a Horse-riding hack along the shore, which for me was a romantic gesture I was bemused with, at least for now anyway. 

After the weather brightened up this afternoon, Mr. Warehouse and I took an exhilarating boat ride out into the Atlantic ocean, all in the hope of seeing some seals, dolphins, exotic fish and maybe even a Basking shark. We did not see any of those, but we nearly saw what Mr. Warehouse had for breakfast. Safely back on dry land, tonight is our last night so as I finish up my blog this week I will take Mr. Warehouse for a walk later on around the hotel as I did on yesterday's rainy afternoon. That is if he is still awake ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx